drums for solar

gift exchange economy

Drums For Solar works through the concept of the gift exchange economy. Though often unknown or practiced in many western societies, gift exchange economy is formality in many other cultures throughout the world. Gift exchange creates valuable interpersonal relationships that are built through mutuality and trust. This type of exchange may not only consist of material objects, but also concepts; a meal may be exchanged for seeds, a place to sleep for an exchange of stories, or help with the family in exchange simply for spiritual wealth. With Drums For Solar, solar panels are being exchanged for crafts; renewable energy technology and education are being exchanged for valuable cultural experiences. Bruce Alan Rhodes states, "The chief of the village explained it to me as this, 'when people give us stuff and we have nothing to give in return, it's like stealing from our spirit.' We need to embrace this concept of the gift economy in order to help these communities to become self-sustaining while keeping their spirit alive."